Roots and Wings is a program designed to guide girls to embrace who they are and that they matter. The program strives to empower girls to understand that they can make a difference in the world around them and that they are unique and special. Through lessons and conversations built around games, projects, creative expression, and the arts, girls celebrate who they are, their unique gifts, and their contribution to others. This program explores how our thoughts and actions, no matter how small, can change the course of a day or a lifetime.

Our Girls

Roots and Wings is for all girls enrolled in grades 3-5 who would like become leaders in their everyday life or in the community. The “ideal girl” for our program is one that is filled with joy and wonder who wants to connect with others and, ultimately, with herself. We see the most progress in girls, regardless of their background, who ask questions, try new things, take on challenges, desire more friends, and want to grow.

People often ask if Roots and Wings is for girls who are “at risk”. Our founder, Janelle Draper, answers, “Just by being girls, we are at risk. We are at risk of low self-esteem, eating disorders, peer pressure, not being who we are, and a whole list of emotionally and physically harmful behaviors. Yes, I work with at-risk girls. Simply because they are girls.”

“Jordan loves Roots and Wings. She told me the activities have inspired her to be a better person. She said she tries to stop and think about how what she does or says will affect others. Thank you for making our girls better young women.”